Big Leaguers Notebook: April 27

Dodgers' Ethier extends hitting streak to 24 games

 With a line-drive single to center field against the Marlins on Wednesday afternoon, "Mr. April" Andre Ethier extended his historic hitting streak to a 24th consecutive game. Ethier set a new Major League record for the longest April hitting streak on Tuesday, breaking Joe Torre's mark of 22 consecutive games set in 1972. Does the Dodger have his sights set on breaking Joe DiMaggio's all-time streak of 56 consecutive games? "It's tough to get a hit three weeks in a row," remarked Ethier. "Fifty-six in a row is a whole other thing." (MLB.com)

 Brent Lillibridge may have to change his last name to "Thrillibridge." The young outfielder made not one, but two spectacular defensive plays in a row to lift the White Sox over the Yankees. "I was beyond excited," said Lillibridge. "Making plays like that, how can you not be excited?" Joked manager Ozzie Guillen, "I found my closer: Lillibridge." (MLB.com)

 The bats are hot in L.A.! James Loney tied a career high with four hits for the Dodgers (MLB.com) and Peter Bourjos tripled twice for the Angels (MLB.com). Alexi Amarista also made a statement at the plate in his Major League debut with the Angels, doubling to score two in his very first big league at-bat. Amarista dedicated the hit to his family and his father, who was murdered in Venezuela in November. (MLB.com)

 Indians right-hander Justin Masterson collected seven strikeouts and yet another win against Kansas City, improving his record to a perfect 5-0 and earning the nickname "The Big Nasty" from manager Manny Acta. Masterson smiled when asked about his undefeated record, saying, "It's better than losing." (MLB.com)

 Starlin Castro has gone from practicing baseball with a milk-carton glove and fishing for little pay off the coast of the Dominican Republic with his father Diogenes to patrolling Wrigley Field as the starting shortstop for the Cubs. (Yahoo! Sports)

 Major League veteran Michael Cuddyer blogged about peanut butter and jelly, long bus commutes and the little-known charms of traveling as a Minor League baseball player. Wrote Cuddyer, "Travel is an essential part of baseball ... without a doubt, the hardest part of our profession. I am fortunate to have been able to experience it at every level of the process, and for that reason I think I am able to appreciate truly how great it is to be able to play, and travel, in the Major Leagues." (FOX Sports North)

 Congratulations to Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond and wife Chelsey on the birth of their first child, Grayson Wesley Desmond.

 Fan voting to select Major Leaguers for the 82nd MLB All-Star Game has now begun! Said New York Yankee and 2010 AL Final Vote winner Nick Swisher, "Last year was such a joy for me, not only to be at my first All-Star Game, but because the reason I went to the game was because of the fans. I had an absolute blast, and I can't thank them enough for that opportunity." Every player wants to be an All-Star, so go out and vote for your favorites! (MLB.com)

 Quote of the Day: "He's looking for [improvised explosive devices], and he was doing it with pride. The courage to do something like that ... I think every team that comes in here to play the Nationals should be required to make a visit, show their appreciation and tell them thank you," said outfielder Willie Harris, after spending time with a triple amputee veteran who served as an engineer overseas. Harris and his Mets teammates visited wounded soldiers and their families at Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center prior to their Tuesday game against the Nationals.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.